DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE. Office of Emergency Management City of El Segundo

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1 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE Office of Emergency Management City of El Segundo

2 CITY OF EL SEGUNDO OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Over 17,000 residents and approximately 53,000 daytime business commuters live and work within the City of El Segundo s 5.6 square miles. Being prepared involves taking the necessary and important steps to keep yourself and your family, pets, and home or business safe before, during, and after an emergency or disaster. Preparedness starts with YOU! You can begin to get prepared by carrying out the steps presented in this guide. The City of El Segundo has thoughtfully gathered and put together a collection of information, checklists, and guides to help all community members get prepared for the next emergency or disaster. Get started on your path to being prepared by keeping informed, having a plan, building a supply kit, and knowing what to do during an emergency. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO 350 Main Street, El Segundo, CA facebook.com/cityofelsegundo

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS FAMILY PREPAREDNESS Family Disaster Plan Disaster Supply Kit Water: The Absolute Necessity Food: Preparing an Emergency Supply First Aid Supplies Tools and Emergency Supplies Clothing and Bedding Mini Survival Kits Earthquake Actions NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCIES Terrorism Cyber Attacks Building Explosions Chemical and Biological Weapons Nuclear and Radiological Attack Homeland Security Advisory System HELPFUL WEBSITES USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

4 FAMILY PREPAREDNESS FAMILY DISASTER PLAN Regularly discuss with your family what actions will be taken following an earthquake or other disaster, regardless of where they may be when the disaster occurs. Post your family s disaster plan on the refrigerator, by the phone, or in some other conspicuous place. Ensure all family members are familiar with the plan and are prepared to take appropriate actions if they are at home alone when the disaster occurs. Address the following issues when developing the Family Plan: Evacuation Identify all exits and alternate escape routes from your house or apartment and keep them clear. Establish a safe meeting place outside of the house where all family members will meet. Maintain one-half tank of gas in your car at all times and identify an evacuation route, which is most likely to remain open and passable following an earthquake. (Avoid bridges, freeways, underpasses, and overpasses.) Identify the nearest Red Cross-designated shelter to your home and workplace. Note: Limited medical assistance will be available at all shelters. Post a message indicating where you have gone. Take vital documents and emergency supplies and equipment, including medications with you. Confine pets in basement, garage, or bathroom with plenty of water. 4 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

5 Family Reunification Establish 1 or 2 reunion locations (e.g. Red Cross shelter, relative or friend's home) in the event of separation. Note: The Red Cross will compile a list of missing persons. Designate an out-of-state or area contact for family members to notify of their location and condition. Communications Do NOT use the telephone, except for emergencies. Disaster information and emergency instructions will be announced on radio station KFI (640AM). Identify nearest source of emergency two-way radio communication for requesting emergency aid. (e.g. amateur radio operator, fire or police department, and hospital) Inform friends and relatives of the phone number for your out-of-area contact person. For Baby (3 Days Supply) Formula / Powdered milk Diapers Bottles Medications Baby wipes Children, Elderly, & Disabled Authorize a neighbor or relative to pick-up and care for children in your absence. Provide the elderly or disabled with a whistle or other method to call for help if they can not evacuate. Arrange for a neighbor or friend to check on elderly or disabled family members in your absence. Identify a method for evacuating disabled family members. For Adults Prescription drugs (e.g. heart and high blood pressure medications) Insulin Denture needs Contact Lenses and supplies Extra eye glasses Important Family Documents Keep these in a waterproof, fire resistant, portable container Will, Insurance Policies, Contracts, Deeds, Stocks and Bonds Passports, Social Security cards, Immunization records Bank Account numbers Credit Card Account numbers and companies Inventory of valuable household goods Important telephone numbers Family records (Birth, Marriage, and Death certificates) CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 5

6 Pets Keep license and I.D. tags current with your telephone number and your out-of -town contact number. Make arrangements with neighbors to rescue or care for your pet if you are away. For evacuation: keep on a leash and pack supplies that include food, water bowl, blanket, and plastic bags for disposing of droppings. Plan how they will be cared for after evacuation. Pets may not be allowed in shelters due to health regulations. School Plan Familiarize yourself with your children's school plan, including the release policy following disasters. Note: All schools conduct regular earthquake drills and most are prepared to shelter students until they are picked up by a parent or authorized representative. Authorize a relative, friend, or neighbor to pick up your children in case you are unable to get to the school following a disaster. Ensure that school authorities have made arrangements to provide for any special needs that your children may have. (e.g. medications) Work Plan Have portable supplies in your car or at work in case you cannot return home for several days. Store a pair of sturdy walking shoes in your vehicle. Have maps or guides of alternate routes to get home from work in case your normal route is impassable. Include a flashlight and a small portable radio in your work emergency supplies. Have a copy of your family's emergency plan and contact telephone numbers in your vehicle. 6 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

7 Child Safety Does your child know or carry... Contact names and numbers (home, work, pager, cell, )? Emergency procedures including how to call 911? Where to meet in case of an emergency? How to recognize danger signals (such as fire alarms)? Do you and school officials... Know school emergency procedures? Is your child's school prepared? Have contact names and numbers (home, work, pager, cell, )? Have updated information to reach parent and caretakers for pick up? Know type of authorization school requires to release a child to someone? Have a child pick up staging area in the event of a disaster? Do you... Limit your child's TV viewing of news and raw footage of disasters? Make sure baby-sitter knows emergency procedures? Special Needs and Disability Carry a health information card if you have special needs. Evaluate your capacities, limitations, needs, and surroundings Determine type of help you may need during an emergency. List information: Doctors, Allergies, Medications, Disabilities, Equipment Keep sufficient medication and supplies for at least 7 days on hand. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 7

8 Health Care Providers NAME SPECIAL NEEDS PROVIDER PHONE Medication List NAME MEDICATION & DOSAGE PHYSICIAN & PRESC. # REASON FOR TAKING MED. Be cautious of writing names of narcotics and other drugs that could be stolen. 8 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

9 Communication Plan Meet with household and create communication plan. Fill out this Prep-Guide and keep it visible. Choose out-of-town contact that your household will reach to check on each other. Contact person should have everyone's numbers and live far enough away that they would be unlikely to be affected by the same event. Make sure household members have this contact number plus numbers for each other (include home, work, pager, cell, ). Identify 2 neighbors and agree to watch out for each other. During disaster, phone may not work. Be patient and retry. Try . Household Members NAME WORK, SCHOOL, ADDRESS PHONE, INSTRUCTIONS Out-of-Area Contact NAME Address: Home #: Work #: Pager: Cell #: CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 9

10 Reunion Procedures INSIDE or NEAR HOME OUTSIDE Emergency Contacts NAME PHONE OTHER 10 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

11 DISASTER SUPPLY KIT You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means having your own water, food, and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together. Assembling the supplies you might need following a disaster is an important part of your disaster plan. You should prepare emergency supplies for the following situations: Home Grab & Go A disaster supply kit with essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days. This kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to "grab and go" in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept. 2 Week Confinement Kit Consider having additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to two weeks. Work Grab & Go You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container, ready to "grab and go" in case you have to evacuate the building. Car Kit A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored in your car at all times. This kit would also include flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies. Above checklists will help you assemble disaster supply kits that meet the needs of your household. The basic items that should be in a disaster supply kit are water, food, first aid supplies, tools and emergency supplies, clothing and bedding. You will need to change the stored water and food supplies every six months, so be sure to write the date you store it on all containers. You should also re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your household changes. Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supply kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as an unused trash can, camping backpack or duffel bag. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 11

12 WATER: THE ABSOLUTENECESSARY Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household. Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily just for drinking. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more. Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed. Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes and, possibly, for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Store water in a thoroughly washed plastic or enamel-lined metal container. Don't use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Sound plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Containers for water should be rinsed with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) before use. Previously used bottles or other containers may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. Do not rely on untested devices for decontaminating water. If your water is treated commercially by a water utility, you do not need to treat water before storing it. Additional treatments of treated public water will not increase storage life. If you have a well or public water that has not been treated, follow the treatment instructions provided by your public health service or water provider. Seal your water containers tightly, label them, and store them in a cool, dark place. Don t forget our four-legged friends also need food and water. 12 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

13 Managing Water Supplies Water is critical for survival. Plan to have about one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. You may need more for medical emergencies. Allow people to drink according to their need. The average person should drink between two and two-and-one-half quarts of water or other liquids per day, but many people need more. This will depend on age, physical activity, physical condition, and time of year. Under no circumstances should a person drink less than one quart of water each day. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool. Drink water that you know is not contaminated first. If necessary, suspicious water, such as cloudy water from regular faucets or muddy water from streams or ponds, can be used after it has been treated. If water treatment is not possible, put off drinking suspicious water as long as possible, but do not become dehydrated. In addition to stored water, other sources include: Melted ice cubes. Water drained from the water heater faucet, if the water heater has not been damaged. Water dipped from the flush tanks (not the bowls) of home toilets. Bowl water can be used for pets. Liquids from canned goods such as fruit and vegetable juices. Carbonated beverages do not meet drinking-water requirements. Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate the body, which increases the need for drinking water. If water pipes are damaged or if local authorities advise you, turn off the main water valves to prevent water from draining away in case the water main breaks. The pipes will be full of water when the main valve is closed. To use this water, turn on the faucet at the highest point in your house (which lets air into the system). Then draw water, as needed, from the lowest point in your house, either a faucet or the hot water tank. Unsafe Water Sources Include: Radiators. Hot water boilers (home heating system). Water beds (fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the vinyl may make water unsafe to use). Swimming pools and spas (chemicals used in them to kill germs are too concentrated for safe drinking, but can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning and related uses). CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 13

14 Water Treatment Treat all water of uncertain purity before using it for drinking, food washing or preparation, washing dishes, brushing teeth or making ice. In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. There are many ways to treat water. None is perfect. Often the best solution is a combination of methods. Before treating, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of clean cloth. Following are four treatment methods. The first three methods of boiling, chlorination, and water treatment tablets will kill microbes but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts, most other chemicals, and radioactive fallout. The final method distillation will remove microbes as well as most other contaminants, including radioactive fallout. Boiling is the safest method of treating water. Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for 1 minute will kill most organisms. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring it back and forth between two containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water. Chlorination uses liquid chlorine bleach to kill microorganisms such as bacteria. Use regular household liquid bleach that contains no soap or scents. Some containers warn, "Not For Personal Use." You can disregard these warnings if the label states sodium hypo-chlorite as the only active ingredient and if you use only the small quantities mentioned in these instructions. Add six drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented bleach per gallon of water, stir, and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not taste and smell of chlorine at that point, add another dose and let stand another 15 minutes. This treatment will not kill parasitic organisms. If you do not have a dropper, use a spoon and a square-ended strip of paper or thin cloth about 1/4 inch by 2 inches. Put the strip in the spoon with an end hanging down about 1/2 inch below the scoop of the spoon. Place bleach in the spoon and carefully tip it. Drops the size of those from a medicine dropper will drip off the end of the strip. Purification Tablets release chlorine or iodine. They are inexpensive and available at most sporting goods stores and some drugstores. Follow the package directions carefully. NOTE: People with hidden or chronic liver or kidney disease may be adversely affected by iodized tablets and may experience worsened health problems as a result of ingestion. Iodized tablets are safe for healthy, physically fit adults and should be used only if you lack the supplies for boiling, chlorination, and distillation. 14 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

15 FOOD: PREPARING AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period or without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women. You don't need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Canned foods do not require cooking, water, or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener. Familiar foods are important. They can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress. Also, canned foods won t require cooking, water, or special preparation. Keep canned foods in a dry place, where the temperature is fairly cool. To protect boxed foods from pests and to extend their shelf life, store the food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers. Replace items in your food supply every six months. Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded. Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies. Date each food item with a marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front. Food items that you might consider including in your disaster supply kit include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk. If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don't stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content. For emergency cooking, heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes and fondue pots, or use a fireplace. Charcoal grills and camp stoves are for outdoor use only. Commercially canned food can be eaten out of the can without warming. Before heating food in a can, remove the label, thoroughly wash the can, and then disinfect them with a solution consisting of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water, and open before heating. Re-label your cans, including expiration date, with a marker. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 15

16 Storage Tips Keep food in a dry, cool spot -a dark area if possible. Keep food covered at all times. Open food boxes or cans carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use. Wrap cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight containers. Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits, and nuts into screw-top jars or airtight cans to protect them from pests. Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use. Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies. Write the date it was placed in storage on the top with a permanent marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front. Do not eat foods from cans that are swollen, dented, or corroded even though the product may look okay to eat. Do not eat any food that looks or smells abnormal, even if the can looks normal. Discard any food not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with contaminated floodwater. Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snap-open, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with floodwater because they cannot be disinfected. For infants, use only pre-prepared canned baby formula. Do not use powdered formulas with treated water. How to Cook if the Power Goes Out For emergency cooking indoors, you can use a fireplace. A charcoal grill or camp stove can be used outdoors. You can also heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes, and fondue pots. Canned food can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat it in the can, be sure to open the can and remove the label first. Short-term Food Supplies Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for two weeks, you should prepare a supply that will last that long. The easiest way to develop a two-week stockpile is to increase the amount of basic foods you normally keep on your shelves. Nutrition Tips During and right after a disaster, it will be vital that you maintain your strength. So remember: Eat at least one well-balanced meal daily. Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (two quarts a day). Take in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work. Include vitamin, mineral, and protein supplements in your stockpile to assure adequate nutrition. 16 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

17 Managing Food Supplies It is important to be sanitary when storing, handling, and eating food. Keep food in covered containers. Keep cooking and eating utensils clean. Keep garbage in closed containers and dispose outside. Bury garbage, if necessary. Avoid letting garbage accumulate inside, both for fire and sanitation reasons. Keep hands clean. Wash frequently with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected. Hygiene Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly: Before preparing or eating food After toilet use After participating in flood cleanup activities After handling articles contaminated with floodwater or sewage If the Electricity Goes Off FIRST, use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator. THEN, use the foods from the freezer. To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least three days. FINALLY, begin to use non-perishable foods and staples. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 17

18 Shelf Life of Food for Storage Here are some general guidelines for rotating common emergency foods. Use within six months: Powdered milk (boxed) Dried fruit (in metal container) Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container) Potatoes Use within one year: Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups Canned fruits, fruit juices, and vegetables Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers) Peanut butter & Jelly Hard candy and canned nuts Vitamin C May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions): Wheat Vegetable oils Dried corn Baking powder Soybeans Instant coffee, tea, and cocoa Salt Non-carbonated soft drinks White rice Bouillon products Dry pasta Your refrigerator will keep foods cool for about four hours without power if it is left unopened. Add block or dry ice to your refrigerator if the electricity will be off longer than four hours. Thawed food usually can be eaten if it is still "refrigerator cold," or re-frozen if it still contains ice crystals. To be safe, remember, "When in doubt, throw it out." Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. If you are without power for a long period: Ask friends to store your frozen foods in their freezers if they have electricity. Inquire if freezer space is available in a store, church, school, or commercial freezer that has electrical service. Use dry ice, if available. Twenty-five pounds of dry ice will keep a ten-cubicfoot freezer below freezing for 3-4 days. Use care when handling dry ice, and wear dry, heavy gloves to avoid injury. 18 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

19 FIRST AID KIT It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies may be limited. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. Be sure prescriptions are stored to meet instructions on the label and be mindful of expirations dates. A Basic First Aid Kit Should Include: First Aid manual Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes Assorted sizes of safety pins Cleansing agents: isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, soap, germicide Antibiotic ointment Latex gloves (2 pairs) Petroleum jelly 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6 each size) Triangular bandages (3) 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls each) Cotton balls Scissors Tweezers Needle Moistened towelettes Antiseptic Thermometer Tongue depressor blades (2) Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant Sunscreen Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses Non-Prescription Drugs Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, and laxative (for stomach upset) Syrup of ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the poison control center) Vitamins CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 19

20 TOOLS & EMERGENCY SUPPLIES It will be important to assemble these items in a disaster supply kit in case you have to leave your home quickly. Even if you don't have to leave your home, if you lose power it will be easier to have these items already assembled and in one place. Tools and Other Items: A portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries Signal flare Matches in a waterproof container (or waterproof matches) Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel and other tools Duct tape and scissors Plastic sheeting Whistle A-B-C-type fire extinguisher (small canister) Dome tent Compass Work gloves Paper, pens, and pencils Needles and thread Battery-operated travel alarm clock Kitchen Items Manual can opener Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils All-purpose knife Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water Sugar, salt, and pepper Aluminum foil and plastic wrap Re-sealing plastic bags If food must be cooked, a small cooking stove, and a can of cooking fuel Sanitation and Hygiene Items: Washcloth and towel Towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorants Comb and brush, razor, shaving cream Lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellent Contact lens solutions, mirror Feminine supplies Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags and ties for personal sanitation uses, and toilet paper Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant and household chlorine bleach Consider including a small shovel for digging a latrine 20 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

21 CLOTHING & BEDDING MINI SURVIVAL KITS Clothing and Bedding One complete change of clothing and footwear for each household member. Shoes should be sturdy work shoes or boots. Rain gear Hat and gloves Extra socks Extra underwear and/or thermal underwear Sunglasses. Blankets and pillows or a sleeping bag for each household member Are YOU Ready EL SEGUNDO? Work Mini Survival Kit Since we spend 1/3 of your time at work, there is a 33% chance of being at work when a disaster strikes. A mini survival kit could make the hours or days more conformable and safe until you can get home. Snack type nutritious foods (non perishable) Comfortable shoes Bottled water Small first aid kit Blanket Light stick or flashlight with extra batteries Essential medication Battery operated radio Ziploc bags Toilet tissue Personal hygiene items Swiss Army type knife Employee Emergency Handbook/Manual A pair of heavy work gloves Whistle Money and change for telephone calls (pay telephones are designated as priority phones because of ) CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 21

22 Car Mini Survival Kit We spend many hours each week in our vehicles. In addition our vehicles are often parked close to our places of employment or recreation. A major disaster could force us to rely on our cars for shelter and survival. Assemble a survival kit in your car with some or all of the following items. Storing these supplies in a small day or back pack will make them convenient to carry if you need to walk. Snack type nutritious foods (dried fruits, nuts, Granola bars, crackers, seeds, jerky, etc) Comfortable shoes Bottled water Small first aid kit (include personal medications) Fire extinguisher Flares Blanket Local maps and compass Flashlight and batteries Hand tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc) Swiss Army type knife A pair of heavy work gloves Ziploc bags Toilet tissue Personal hygiene items It is important for you to be ready, wherever you may be when disaster strikes. With the checklists above you can now put together an appropriate disaster supply kit for your household: Never let your gas tank get below ½ full. Gas stations may not be open the first few days following a major disaster. A disaster supply kit kept in the home with supplies for at least three days. Although it is unlikely that food supplies would be cut off for as long as two weeks, consider storing additional water, food, clothing, and bedding other supplies to expand your supply kit to last up to two weeks. A work place disaster supply kit. It is important to store a personal supply of water and food at work; you will not be able to rely on water fountains OR coolers. Women who wear high-heels should be sure to have comfortable flat shoes at their workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances. A car disaster supply kit. Keep a smaller disaster supply kit in the trunk of you car. If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having these items will help you be more comfortable until help arrives. Add items for severe winter weather during months when heavy snow or icy roads are possible salt, sand, shovels, and extra winter clothing, including hats and gloves. 22 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

23 EARTHQUAKE ACTIONS During the Shaking Indoors Get under a sturdy table, desk or bed, or brace yourself in a doorway. Keep your back to windows, protect face, and head by covering with your arms. Maintain position until shaking stops. Outdoors Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines and poles. Drop to your knees and protect face and head by covering with your arms. Maintain position until shaking stops. Automobile Pullover to the side of road and avoid stopping on or under overpasses. Turn off ignition and set brake. Remain inside the car until shaking stops. Disabled If in a wheelchair, stay in it. Move under a doorway or to an inside wall. Lock wheels and cover face and head with your arms. If in bed or out of wheelchair, seek cover under bed or table, if possible, and cover face and head with your arms. Maintain position until shaking stops. After the Shaking Do not turn on lights or light any matches. Put on sturdy shoes to avoid injury from broken glass or other debris. Check for injuries and render first aid. Check for fire hazards and shut off utilities, if indicated. Note: Do not turn utilities back on until the utility company has advised that it is safe to do so. Draw water into bathtub or sink. If there are major leaks or ruptured pipes, close water valve to prevent contamination. Check foundation, roof, and chimney for damage and clean up any potentially handful material. Check neighbors for trapped or injured people. Report to Neighborhood Disaster Coordinator if you have participated in Neighborhood Disaster Training. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 23

24 Evacuation Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. And almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes. When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, are also used. Government agencies, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other disaster relief organizations provide emergency shelter and supplies. To be prepared for an emergency, you should have enough water, food, clothing, and emergency supplies to last at least three days. In a catastrophic emergency, you might need to be self-sufficient for even longer. The amount of time you have to evacuate will depend on the disaster. If the event can be monitored, like a hurricane, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities. This is why you should prepare now. Planning for Evacuations 1. Ask your local emergency management office about community evacuation plans. Learn evacuation routes. If you do not own a car, make transportation arrangements with friends or your local government. 2. Talk with your household about the possibility of evacuation. Plan where you would go if you had to leave the community. Determine how you would get there. In your planning, consider different scales of evacuations. In a hurricane, for example, entire counties would evacuate, while a much smaller area would be affected by a chemical release. 3. Plan a place to meet your household in case you are separated from one another in a disaster. Ask a friend outside your town to be the "checkpoint" so that everyone in the household can call that person to say they are safe. 4. Find out where children will be sent if schools are evacuated. 5. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, food, water, and clothing. 6. Keep fuel in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. 7. Know how to shut off your home's electricity, gas, and water supplies at main switches and valves. Have the tools you would need to do this (usually adjustable pipe and crescent wrenches). 24 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

25 Evacuation CONTINUED... What to Do When You Are Told to Evacuate Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local instructions. If the danger is a chemical release and you are instructed to evacuate immediately, gather your household and go. Take one car per household when evacuating. This will keep your household together and reduce traffic congestion and delay. In other cases, you may have time to follow these steps: 1. Gather water, food, clothing, emergency supplies, and insurance and financial records. 2. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap. 3. Secure your home. Close and lock doors and windows. Unplug appliances. If a hard freeze is likely during your absence, take actions needed to prevent damage to water pipes by freezing weather, such as: Turn off water main. Drain faucets. Turn off inside valves for external faucets and open the outside faucets to drain. 4. Turn off the main water valve and electricity, if instructed to do so. 5. Let others know where you are going. 6. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. 7. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts. They may be blocked. Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas. Stay away from downed power lines. Disaster situations can be intense, stressful, and confusing. Should an evacuation be necessary, local authorities will do their best to notify the public, but do not depend entirely on this. Often, a disaster can strike with little or no warning, providing local authorities scant time to issue an evacuation order. Also, it is possible that you may not hear of an evacuation order due to communications or power failure or not listening to your battery-powered radio. Local authorities and meteorologists could also make mistakes, including underestimating an emergency or disaster situation. In the absence of evacuation instructions from local authorities, you should evacuate if you feel you and your household are threatened or endangered. Use pre-designated evacuation routes and let others know what you are doing and your destination. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 25

26 Shelter Taking shelter is often a critical element in protecting yourself and your household in times of disaster. Sheltering can take several forms. In-place sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment, or other location where you are located when disaster strikes. In-place sheltering may either be short -term, such as going to a safe room for a fairly short period while a tornado warning is in effect or while a chemical cloud passes. It may also be longer-term, as when you stay in your home for several days without electricity or water services following a winter storm. We also use the term "shelter" for mass care facilities that provide a place to stay along with food and water to people who evacuate following a disaster. Short-term In-place Sheltering The appropriate steps to take in preparing for and implementing short-term in-place sheltering depend entirely on the emergency situation. For instance, during a tornado warning you should go to an underground room, if such a room is available. During a chemical release, on the other hand, you should seek shelter in a room above ground level. If you are requested to stay indoors rather than evacuate: Follow all instructions given by emergency authorities. Get household members and pets inside as quickly as possible. Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Close vents, fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible. Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems. In large buildings, building superintendents should set all ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside air is drawn into the building. If this is not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off. Go into the pre-selected shelter room (the above-ground room with the fewest openings to the outside). Take a battery-powered radio, water, sanitary supplies, a flashlight, and the shelter kit containing plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, a towel, and modeling clay or other materials to stuff into cracks. Close doors and windows in the room. Stuff a towel tightly under each door and tape around the sides and top of the door. Cover each window and vent in the room with a single piece of plastic sheeting, taping all around the edges of the sheeting to provide a continuous seal. If there are any cracks or holes in the room, such as those around pipes entering a bathroom, fill them with modeling clay or other similar material. Remain in the room, listening to emergency broadcasts on the radio, until authorities advise you to leave your shelter. If authorities warn of the possibility of an outdoor explosion, close all drapes, curtains, and shades in the room. Stay away from windows to prevent injury from breaking glass. When authorities advise people in your area to leave their shelters, open all doors and windows and turn on air conditioning and ventilation systems. These measures will flush out any chemicals that infiltrated into the building. 26 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

27 Shelter CONTINUED... Long-term In-place Sheltering Sometimes disasters make it unsafe for people to leave their residence for extended periods. Winter storms, floods, and landslides may isolate individual households and make it necessary for each household to take care of its own needs until the disaster abates, such as when snows melt and temperatures rise, or until rescue workers arrive. Your household should be prepared to be self-sufficient for three days when cut off from utilities and from outside supplies of food and water. 1. Stay in your shelter until local authorities say it's okay to leave. The length of your stay can range from a few hours to two weeks. 2. Maintain a 24-hour communications and safety watch. Take turns listening for radio broadcasts. Watch for fires. 3. Assemble an emergency toilet, if necessary. Use a garbage container, pail or bucket with a snug-fitting cover. If the container is small, use a larger container with a cover for waste disposal. Line both containers with plastic bags. After each use, pour or sprinkle a small amount of regular household disinfectant, such as chlorine bleach, into the container to reduce odors and germs. Staying in a Mass Shelter Care The American Red Cross and Salvation Army, assisted by community and other disaster relief groups, work with local authorities to set up public shelters in schools, municipal buildings and churches. While they often provide water, food, medicine and basic sanitary facilities, you should plan to have your own supplies as well especially water. 1. Cooperate with shelter managers and others staying in the shelter. Living with many people in a confined space can be difficult and unpleasant. 2. Restrict smoking to designated areas that are well-ventilated. Ensure that smoking materials are disposed of safely. If you go to an emergency shelter, remember that alcoholic beverages and weapons are prohibited in shelters. Pets, except for service animals, are also not allowed in public shelters. Contact your local humane society for additional information. Remain in the room, listening to emergency broadcasts on the radio, until authorities advise you to leave your shelter. If authorities warn of the possibility of an outdoor explosion, close all drapes, curtains, and shades in the room. Stay away from windows to prevent injury from breaking glass. When authorities advise people in your area to leave their shelters, open all doors and windows and turn on air conditioning and ventilation systems. These measures will flush out any chemicals that infiltrated into the building. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 27

28 NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCIES In addition to the natural and technological hazards described in this publication, Americans face threats posed by hostile governments or extremist groups. These threats to national security include acts of terrorism and acts of war. TERRORISM Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, and to get immediate publicity for their causes. Acts of terrorism range from threats of terrorism, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, bomb scares and bombings, cyber attacks (computer-based), to the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. High-risk targets include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, large cities and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities, and corporate centers. Further, they are capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological agents through the mail. In the immediate area of a terrorist event, you would need to rely on police, fire and other officials for instructions. However, you can prepare in much the same way you would prepare for other crisis events. 28 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

29 Preparing for Terrorism Wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. The very nature of terrorism suggests there may be little or no warning. 1. Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Unusual behavior, suspicious packages and strange devices should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel. 2. Do not be afraid to move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right. 3. Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Notice where exits are when you enter unfamiliar buildings. Plan how to get out of a building, subway or congested public area or traffic. Note where staircases are located. Notice heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion. 4. Assemble a disaster supply kit at home and learn first aid. Separate the supplies you would take if you had to evacuate quickly, and put them in a backpack or container, ready to go. 5. Be familiar with different types of fire extinguishers and how to locate them. Know the location and availability of hard hats in buildings in which you spend a lot of time. CYBER ATTACKS Cyber attacks target computer or telecommunication networks of critical infrastructures such as power systems, traffic control systems, or financial systems. Cyber attacks target information technologies (IT) in three different ways. First, is a direct attack against an information system "through the wires" alone (hacking). Second, the attack can be a physical assault against a critical IT element. Third, the attack can be from the inside as a result of compromising a trusted party with access to the system. 1. Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on that could be disrupted-electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATM machines, and internet transactions. 2. Be prepared to respond to official instructions if a cyber attack triggers other hazards, for example, general evacuation, evacuation to shelter, or shelter-inplace, because of hazardous materials releases, nuclear power plant incident, dam or flood control system failures. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 29

30 BUILDING EXPLOSION Explosions can collapse buildings and cause fires. People who live or work in a multi-level building can do the following: 1. Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where emergency exits are located. 2. Keep fire extinguishers in working order. Know where they are located, and learn how to use them. 3. Learn first aid. Contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross for information and training. 4. Building owners should keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of the building. Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries Several flashlights and extra batteries First aid kit and manual Several hard hats Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas Bomb Threats If you receive a bomb threat, get as much information from the caller as possible. Keep the caller on the line and record everything that is said. Then notify the police and the building management. If you are notified of a bomb threat, do not touch any suspicious packages. Clear the area around suspicious packages and notify the police immediately. In evacuating a building, don't stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas. Do not block sidewalk or streets to be used by emergency officials or others still exiting the building. Suspicious Parcels and Letter Be wary of suspicious packages and letters. They can contain explosives, chemical or biological agents. Be particularly cautious at your place of employment. Some typical characteristics postal inspectors have detected over the years, which ought to trigger suspicion, include parcels that Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you. Have no return address, or have one that can't be verified as legitimate. Are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal," "Confidential" or "Don t X-ray." Have protruding wires or aluminum foil, strange odors or stains. Show a city or state in the postmark that doesn't match the return address. Are of unusual weight, given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped. Are marked with any threatening language. Have inappropriate or unusual labeling. Have excessive postage or excessive packaging material such as masking tape and string. Have misspellings of common words. Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated. Have incorrect titles or title without a name. Are not addressed to a specific person. 30 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO

31 With suspicious envelopes and packages other than those that might contain explosives, take these additional steps against possible biological and chemical agents. Refrain from eating or drinking in a designated mail handling area. Place suspicious envelopes or packages in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents. Never sniff or smell suspect mail. If you do not have a container, then cover the envelope or package with anything available and do not remove the cover. Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering. Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face. If you are at work, report the incident to your building security official or an available supervisor, who should notify police and other authorities without delay. List all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give a copy of this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice. If you are at home, report the incident to local police. What To Do If There Is An Explosion Leave the building as quickly as possible. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls. If things are falling around you, get under a sturdy table or desk until they stop falling. Then leave quickly, watching for weakened floors and stairs and falling debris as you exit. If There is a Fire Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible. Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth. When approaching a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the lower, middle and upper parts of the door. Never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat, burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire. If the door is NOT hot, open it slowly and ensure fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door immediately and use an alternate escape route, such as a window. If clear, leave immediately through the door. Be prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat rise. The air is clearer and cooler near the floor. If the door is hot, do not open it. Escape through a window. If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window, alerting fire fighters to your presence. Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. Stay below the smoke at all times. If You Are Trapped in Debris Do not light a match. Do not move about or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. Rhythmically tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort when you hear sounds and think someone will hear you shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE 31